ABC News Anchor Robin René Roberts, seen most frequently on the morning
news program "Good Morning America" has come clean about her health
issues, which will have her dropping out of the view of the camera while
she undergoes treatment. In an emotional address to the TV public,
Roberts says she has been diagnosed with a rare blood and bone marrow
disease called MDS.

ABC News Anchor Robin Roberts recently revealed she has been diagnosed with a rare blood and bone marrow disease called MDS.

Highlights

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Roberts says she will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant. She explained that the disease was once called pre-leukemia, and is a complication from the treatment she used to beat breast cancer in 2007.

Roberts wrote on the GMA Web site that while there are some "scary" statistics about the disease, her doctors say she is young and in good physical condition in order to beat it.

Surrounded by her co-hosts and with former co-host Diane Sawyer in attendance, Roberts explained the long and winding road ahead of her in her battle with the disease.

"Sometimes treatment for cancer can lead to other serious medical issues and that's what I'm facing right now," she said. "The reason I am sharing this with everybody right now is because later today I begin what's known as pre-treatment."

Saying that a tube was being added to her arm, Roberts explained to her TV audience that "I didn't want you to be concerned if you saw a bandage tomorrow," she said. "It's going to be there to draw blood ... and also to administer drugs."

Explaining she would be "out for a chunk of time" after she receives a bone marrow transplant from her sister, who doctors said was a "perfect match" for her, Robins pledged she will overcome the disease.

"I'm going to beat this . My doctors say it and my faith says it to me." She received a round of applause at the end of her comments.

Roberts shared her philosophy on the battle ahead on her blog post.

"I received my MDS diagnosis on the very day that 'Good Morning America' finally beat the 'Today Show' for the first time in 16 years. Talk about your highs and lows!

"Then a few weeks ago, during a rather unpleasant procedure to extract bone marrow for testing, I received word that I would interview President Obama the next day. The combination of landing the biggest interview of my career and having a drill in my back reminds me that God only gives us what we can handle and that it helps to have a good sense of humor when we run smack into the absurdity of life.

"Bottom line: I've been living with this diagnosis for awhile and will continue to anchor GMA. I love what I do and the people with whom I do it. Along with my faith, family and friends, all of you at ABC News give me the motivation and energy to face this challenge."